The call to prayer from a nearby mosque wakes me at 5 a.m. in my tent. I’ve slept well, but nerves stir as today I’ll be leading the kayaking trip. Before getting up, I check the weather, hoping the wind will stay calm enough for beginners. I send a quick message to my mum, then forward today’s prayer update with photos to our supporters. Even before the day begins, I’m reminded that we depend on God for strength and guidance.
After freshening up and gathering my gear (sunscreen, hat, water, gloves, and a change of clothes) I head to the kitchen. There’s plenty to prepare – snacks, waterproof bags, first aid kits, and life jackets for the children joining us. I check on the cooks as they pack lunch to travel with us. In between tasks, I eat a bowl of boiled rice and pork to fuel the day. By 8 a.m., vehicles are loaded, and we set off for Thalane Wharf.
At the wharf, excitement builds as youth are assigned to kayaks. Joseph, a fellow leader, is co-leading for the first time, and I’m training him as we go. The youth receive some basic instruction, and once life jackets are secured, we push off into open water. Limestone cliffs and mangroves rise around us, a beautiful reminder of God’s creation. Fifteen minutes in, we raft up to listen to the first “story from nature,” connecting what we see to who Jesus is. These moments capture the heart of Adventure Camp.
The morning flows smoothly, with a stop at Monkey Beach and laughter echoing across the water. But when we reach our lunch spot, I’m dismayed. The pine trees that once gave shade have fallen, leaving only a lone coconut tree. I feel responsible, even though it’s beyond my control. We eat chicken biryani, and the youth splash in the warm water (more like a bath than refreshment!) but they are happy and still full of energy.
The return journey tests us. Through mangroves and narrow channels, I worry about missing turns. Jeff, our ministry leader, had assured me the route was simple, but I still feel anxious. When we finally exit the mangroves, I realise I did miss a turn and have led the group on the long route. Worse, the wind has risen and waves push against us. Even I struggle. Joseph and I start singing a Sunday
school song:
“If you have Jesus in your boat, you can paddle home.”
I pray silently for strength. Slowly, each kayak makes it back, some youth exhausted, some walking the last stretch. Yet I hear prayers and songs, even from those who don’t yet know Christ.
As we head back to camp, tradition calls for a convenience store stop. A cold drink and sweet treat lift spirits. By evening, skits, songs, and games bring laughter. The youth shine with creativity, sometimes intentionally funny, sometimes not. As leaders, we gather afterward to share highs and lows. I apologise for taking the wrong route, but I also thank God for safety and growth.
Finally, I collapse into bed, earplugs in, mask on, exhausted but grateful. Adventure Camp goes beyond kayaking and fun times. It’s about creating spaces where youth discover resilience, experience Christian community, and encounter Jesus. In these moments of challenge and joy, I see God at work, shaping lives through adventure.
